Recipe: Jack Rabbit Brand Split Pea Soup (2)

JACK RABBIT BRAND GREEN SPLIT PEA SOUP
Source: rec.food.recipes/Yumei/1994
Makes 6 (1 1/2-cup) servings

The following recipe comes from the back of the bag for Jack Rabbit's green split peas. I've used it for a few years and really like it. You can take out the ham part and still find it very flavorful.

1 (16 oz. pkg.) Jack Rabbit Green Split Pea Beans
3 quarts water
1 small ham shank
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 chicken bouillon cubes (or 2 Tbsp. instant chicken bouillon)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp oregano leaves
1/4 to 1/2 tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced carrots
1 cup chopped celery

In large deep pot, combine peas, water, ham shank, onion, chicken bouillon and seasonings. Simmer, uncovered, 1 1/2 hours.

Remove ham shank; trim meat off bone and return meat to pot. Stir in carrots and celery. Simmer, uncovered, an additional 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until soup reaches desired thickness.

Note: I do cut short the simmering time (I let it simmer for about 1 hour before putting in the celery and carrots; then I let it simmer for another 40 minutes to an hour.)

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JACK RABBIT BRAND SPLIT PEA SOUP
(may be an adapted recipe)

1 lb Jack Rabbit Green Split Pea Beans
8 cups cold water
1 (16 oz) can beef or chicken broth
1 ham bone
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 large potato, finely chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon crushed rosemary (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Rinse and soak split peas in cold water to cover for about 2 hours.

Drain peas. Place peas, 8 cups water, and broth in large soup pot. Stir in all remaining ingredients except salt and pepper.

Bring to boil over high heat, reduce to low heat, cover and simmer 2 1/2 hours.

Remove and set aside ham bone. Remove and discard bay leaf.

Strain peas and vegetables from soup and place in food processor or blender and puree. Return puree mixture to soup.

Cut ham pieces from ham bone and return to soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper.